PM Modi Launches Dual Attack on TMC and Congress in Rajya Sabha Address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a sharp political critique in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, targeting both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Indian National Congress in a wide-ranging address. His comments came just a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Supreme Court to argue against a special intensive revision of electoral rolls in her state.
Modi Accuses TMC of Shielding Illegal Infiltrators
In a direct attack on the TMC, PM Modi accused the party of protecting what he termed "ghuspaithiyas" or illegal infiltrators. "Our colleagues from TMC spoke extensively, but they should engage in self-reflection," Modi stated. "Their merciless government is setting new records of decline while delivering sermons here. Such a heartless administration is plunging people's futures into darkness... They are solely concerned with retaining power."
The Prime Minister drew international comparisons, noting, "Even the most prosperous nations are actively deporting illegal infiltrators. In our country, however, courts are being pressured to protect these infiltrators." This remark appeared to reference the ongoing legal proceedings concerning electoral roll revisions in West Bengal.
Congress Harbors Deep-Seated Hatred Since Gujarat Days, Claims Modi
Turning his attention to the Congress party, Modi alleged they have nurtured profound animosity toward him since his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister. He specifically referenced the party's chant "Modi teri kabra khudegi" (we will dig your grave) as evidence of this enduring hostility.
"The Congress party's frustration has intensified because I not only became Prime Minister but have remained in office since 2014," Modi asserted. "They view the Prime Minister's position as their feudal inheritance. Consequently, they believe their only remaining option is to dig Modi's grave."
Modi contrasted what he described as Congress's "politics of hatred" with his own efforts to "lay the foundation for a developed India." He cited multiple achievements of his government—including the repeal of Article 370, peace and development initiatives in Northeast India, and military actions against terrorists based in Pakistan—as factors that have increased Congress's bitterness toward him.
Congress Dismisses Modi's Speech as Election Rally Rhetoric
The Congress party swiftly rejected Modi's Rajya Sabha address, characterizing it as mere "election rally speech" devoid of substantive governance discussion. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on social media platform X, describing the 97-minute address as "overflowing with abuses and assaults, distortions and dramatics, innuendos and insults—and, of course, his usual quota of blatant and brazen lies."
Ramesh further criticized what he called Modi's "self-obsession" and "fixation on dialogue-baazi and demagoguery." Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of systematically suppressing opposition voices in Parliament.
Speaking to reporters after opposition MPs staged a walkout during Modi's reply to the motion of thanks on the President's address, Kharge stated, "The ruling party is intentionally preventing opposition leaders from speaking in both Houses of Parliament." He also condemned what he described as "abusive remarks" made against former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, whom he credited with sacrificing their lives for the nation.
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered a pointed critique, remarking, "Modi ji was so afraid of the truth, he took refuge in lies. However, he did what he felt was right." This exchange highlights the deepening political divisions as parliamentary proceedings continue amid ongoing electoral preparations.
